[Elecraft] dB Changes, Loudness, and Signal to Noise Ratio

[Jim Brown]

On Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:23:27 -0800, Alan Bloom wrote:

>So I think the bottom line is that 1 dB would make no discernable
>difference in casual operation. 

Strongly agree. 

> But for someone contesting at the
>highest levels. that is, someone who has a serious chance of winning a
>CQWW or a Sweepstakes, a 1 dB improvement is very worthwhile.

AND for working DX when conditions are marginal. I regularly run my Titan 
amp at 1kW or less to let the tubes and power supply loaf. But if I'm 
having trouble making a Q, I'll kick the drive up to get to 1.5kW. More 
than once it has made the difference. NCCC member Bill, N6ZFO, did some 
statistical analysis and came to the conclusion that 1 dB of signal 
strength was good for a 2.6% increase in Sweepstakes score. 

73,

Jim K9YC